JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed on Wednesday that expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is reportedly finding refuge under the protection of local warlords in Southeast Asia as he faces legal troubles in the Philippines.
This revelation arises from intelligence reports received by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which indicate that Teves, a designated terrorist, has been constantly moving between different locations since arrest warrants were issued against him.
The Anti-Terrorism Council (ACT) has recently designated Teves along with several others as terrorists.
A regional trial court in Manila has also authorized the release of a warrant for Teves’ arrest, along with several other respondents, in connection with the death of provincial governor Roel Degamo and several civilians on March 4.
Remulla appeared not bothered though about Teves’ now under the alleged protection of local warlords.
“Nandon pa din siya sa area, sa Southeast Asia supposedly under the protection of local war lords. ‘Yan ang balita sa amin pero titignan natin kasi ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations)’ yan eh. We can ask them to assist us especially against someone who is a designated terrorist, ” he said.
Remulla has assured the public that the government’s monitoring of Teves’ movements has intensified following the issuance of arrest warrants by the Manila Regional Trial Court.
“Meron pang monitoring ngayon, actually mas tight ang monitoring kasi nga hindi biro ang terrorism. It is a crime against humanity kaya ito talaga sinisikap natin na alertohin ang buong mundo sa bagay na ito. Madami pa din ang nagbibigay sa amin ng info kaya ito po ay aming sinasala tinitignan kung alin po dito ang aming papansinin, ” Remulla said.
